John W. Bohlig

Nov. 26, 1932-Dec. 26, 2012

January 3, 2013

John William Bohlig was born Nov. 26, 1932, to John E. and Charlotte (Sherwin) Bohlig, at Leeds. He attended schools in Oberon and graduated from high school in Minnewaukan. From 1950 to 1952, John attended the North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton, and completed electrical trade courses. He worked for Northwestern Bell for a time.

On Jan. 9, 1953, he entered the Army. He served until his honorable discharge on Nov. 12, 1954, and returned to North Dakota. He again attended NDSSS at Wahpeton, from 1954 to 1956, and earned a degree in refrigeration and air conditioning.

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On Feb. 4, 1956, John married Valeria Hoeft in Great Bend. Following their marriage, he worked for a time for an appliance store in Devils Lake and later in Willmar, Minn.

In August 1960 they moved to Minot. John was employed at the Minot Air Force Base Civil Engineering Services until his retirement in January 1988, as deputy chief of operations.

During these years the family spent many summers camping and boating, and enjoyed their times spent at Lake Metigoshe together. John and Valerie enjoyed traveling and visiting different states in their camper. He was happy that he had traveled to all 50 states. He also enjoyed a trip to Europe. In 1998 they began spending the winter months in south Texas, where they enjoyed the sun and the many good friends he met in the Bit-O-Heaven RV Park.

John was a member of St. Leo's Catholic Church, Minot, and was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He was an active member for 54 years in the American Legion, William G. Carroll Post #26, where he served as commander from 1972-1973, and was awarded a life membership in 1980. He was also a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and was also a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. John also enjoyed gardening for many years and sharing vegetables with the family.

John was preceded in death by his parents; sisters and brothers-in-law, Jean (Melvin) Christianson, and Jane (Jay) Pittington; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Herbert and Edna Hoeft; and brothers-in-law, Eugene Hoeft, Larry Colgrove and Arthur Mueller.